Cutting gold inlay channel on curved NS bolster

[banjo_art]

Over the weekend I tried to cut a 24 kt gold inlay channel around the edges of a nickel silver knife bolster. This was in the area where the surface curves quite a bit and I had a lot of trouble keeping a neat clean looking channel with the main cut and the locking under cuts. The nickel silver is quite gummy even with polished tools and tap magic. I've been able to inlay on flat steel and have good results but this is not so easy.

What advice do you folks have for tool geometry etc for nickel silver on a curved bolster edge?

Thanks
--Art

 

[Dave London]

Banjo
I use a 120 sq for the first cut or so depending on how wide the inlay will be, then switch to a flat and make as many passes as required. Undercut with a knife graver the smallist they make or make your own . Some nickel silver is gummy and some is not, luck of the draw unless you make your own bolsters etc. as to the curve you have to lift and lower the graver as you go just by feel . And no it is not easy just practice etc,etc Good luck Dave